Registration underway: Experience the unique opportunity to hunt the Greater Snow Goose and support the conservation of natural environments

QUÉBEC CITY, Feb. 21, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the environment and conserving and protecting healthy migratory bird populations. The controlled hunting program for the Greater Snow Goose is one of the methods used to reduce species overpopulation and support habitat conservation.

Today, Environment and Climate Change Canada is inviting waterfowl-hunting enthusiasts to enter a random draw for the Greater Snow Goose fall hunt. Offered to a limited number of hunters, this unique experience will take place from September 27 to October 24, 2018, in Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area's extraordinary environment. The registration period ends on April 30, 2018.

The hunt helps to preserve the Greater Snow Goose population. The overabundance of geese degrades their habitat, which then harms other animal and plant species, decreasing regional biodiversity.

Quotes

"Cap Tourmente is the only national wildlife area in Canada to offer a controlled hunting program for the Greater Snow Goose. In addition to experiencing a unique opportunity, the hunters who are selected will help curb species overabundance and protect their natural habitat. This program allows for the sound management of the Greater Snow Goose and the maintenance of a long regional tradition."
?  Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick Facts

• The entry form and information on the program are available on Environment and Climate Change Canada's website.
• Additional information is available by contacting 418-827-3776, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, or by emailing [email protected].
• All registered applicants will be informed of the results of the draw before the end of May.
• Nearly 40 000 hunters have exercised their hunting rights since the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area was created in 1978.
• Since 1965, the Canadian Wildlife Service has conducted aerial inventories of the Greater Snow Goose population during its spring migratory stopover in southern Quebec. For 2017, preliminary results of the Greater Snow Goose population estimate were 747 000 (± 73 000).

Associated Links

• Pamphlet: Controlled Fall Hunt for the Greater Snow Goose
• 2018 Entry Form: Controlled Fall Hunt Program for the Greater Snow Goose
• Snow Geese in Québec 2013?2018 Action Plan

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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada